I spent some time over the holidays cleaning up and cleaning out. And behold, I found my dog-earred, marked-up copy of The Official Preppy Handbook by Lisa Birnbach. Circa 1980, this book was touted as "the first guide to The Tradition. Mannerisms, Etiquette, Dress Codes, The Family."
Before you laugh, remember that in the early 80s, Prep was all that. And more. Pink and green. Tretorn tennis shoes. Rep ties. LaCoste shirts. Ah, those were the days.
Though intended to be a spoof, the book actually was found to be quite instructive in the Prep way of life from cradle to grave. Where else could one find a "City-by-City Going Out Guide" for 1980? Or how to pick the right prep school? Or a list of acceptable (and not so acceptable) professions?
For some reason there is something still fascinating about this book—a certain je ne sais quoi.
Some of the advice and style is certainly out-of-date at this time (ducks?) but other elements of style and etiquette still hold true (a poodle is NOT a desiriable breed of dog).
Some other lists:
Music to Boogie by:
1. Beach Boys—Surf's Up
2. Duke Ellington—Take the A Train
3. Widespread Depression Orchestra—Boogie in the Barnyard
4. Glenn Miller—Greatest Hits
5. Frank Sinatra—A Swingin' Affair
Sports to play:
1. Soccer
2. Field Hockey
3. Rugby
4. Squash
5. Tennis
6. Lacrosse
7. Crew
12 Most Popular Nicknames for Girls
1. Muffy
2. Missy
3. Buffy
4. Bitsy
5. Bootsy
6. Bunny
7. Kiki
8. Tiffy
9. Topsy
10. Cuffy
11. Corkie
12. Molly
12 Most Popular Nicknames for Boys
1. Skip
2. Chip
3. Kip
4. Trip
5. Bif
6. Bunny
7. Bink
8. Van
9. Win
10. Wog
11. Rocky
12. Jock
They're back to wearing their collars up on their polos. Check: http://www.bustedtees.com/shirt/collarup/male
Posted by: Barry A. Smith | January 04, 2007 at 08:10 AM